Peterborough Museum & Art Gallery has received a £168,000 grant from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s Museum Renewal Fund — a national programme designed to help museums build resilience, improve accessibility, and develop new ways to welcome visitors.
This latest award brings total government investment in the museum this year to more than £300,000, underlining growing confidence in Peterborough’s cultural future and the museum’s role at the heart of it.
Building for the Future
The new funding will be used to strengthen the museum’s financial sustainability, develop new income-generating projects, and enhance the visitor experience. Planned improvements include upgrading public areas, expanding educational programmes, and opening up new spaces for exhibitions and community use.
Sarah Wilson, Heritage Manager at Peterborough Museum & Art Gallery, said: “We’re delighted to receive this support. It will help us invest in the building, improve the visitor experience and ensure the museum remains a place where everyone feels welcome. This funding allows us to protect what we have — while also creating new opportunities to inspire future generations.”
Backing from Across the City
Local leaders have welcomed the award as a sign of renewed confidence in Peterborough’s cultural sector.
Andrew Pakes MP, Chair of the Peterborough Tourist Board, said: “Our museum tells the story of Peterborough — from ancient landscapes to modern creativity. This funding gives it the stability and ambition it deserves. It’s a huge vote of confidence in the city’s cultural future.”
Cllr Dr Shabina Qayyum, Leader of Peterborough City Council, added: “The museum is a cornerstone of our city’s identity. This investment recognises the hard work of the team and the value of culture in making Peterborough a place we can all be proud of.”
The museum’s recent Doctor Who exhibition has already drawn large crowds and media attention, demonstrating how creative programming and national partnerships can bring new audiences through the doors and add vitality to the city centre.
A Strong Foundation for What Comes Next
The Museum Renewal Fund supports 75 civic museums nationwide as part of a £20 million package to strengthen local heritage institutions. For Peterborough, the investment represents more than financial assistance — it’s a springboard for growth.
With renewed funding and community support, the museum plans to deliver fresh exhibitions, collaborative projects with local artists and schools, and new learning experiences for families.
As Sarah Wilson summed up, “This isn’t just about preserving the past — it’s about building the future of heritage in Peterborough.”
Looking Ahead
Visitors can look forward to refreshed galleries, improved facilities, and even more opportunities to engage with the city’s rich history and creativity.
This funding marks an exciting new chapter for one of Peterborough’s most loved cultural spaces — a reminder that the city’s story is still unfolding, and that it truly is more than you imagine.